Monarchs bring back William Lawson and ditch Max Clegg

Edinburgh Monarchs rider William Lawson. Pic: Ron MacNeill

He is replaced by William Lawson, a former Monarchs No.1 back in 2008 who then drifted out of the sport and has surprisingly agreed to don the Monarchs’ blue-and-gold colours again.

The 31-year-old has been a regular second-halfer at Armadale this season and has also been practising at other tracks as well.

It may be seen as something of a gamble on Monarchs part who have some vital home matches coming up as they strive to clinch their place in the end-of-season play-offs.

Harkess insisted signing Lawson was not a risk, saying: “We have absolutely nothing to lose and he was our No.1 a while back and maybe we can rekindle that.

“William’s equipment is very good and is 100 per cent legal and up to modern standards.

“The only reason William hasn’t returned to speedway over the last two or three years is because he was saddled with a high average which has since been reduced.”

It is understood in the short time he has been back with Monarchs, Clegg has “been very low on confidence”, according to co-promoter John Campbell.

Lawson will make his comeback in Monarchs’ Championship League clash against Sheffield Tigers at Armadale on Friday.